An Investigation of the Professional Resilience Strategies Used by Experienced Occupational Therapists

Abstract

There is a paucity of research into the strategies occupational therapists use to maintain career longevity professional resilience. The objective of the study was to identify the strategies used by occupational therapists to maintain their professional resilience. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data from a cross-sectional survey that investigated the professional resilience strategies used by experienced occupational therapists. Valid responses were received from 489 occupational therapists from 29 countries. The most used professional resilience strategies were maintaining a belief in the value of occupational therapy, taking time for reflection on positive outcomes, using personal time management strategies, and engagement in informal and formal professional support networks. A range of professional resilience strategies are used by experienced occupational therapists in health and social care settings. The findings can be used by managers and workplace organizations to support their occupational therapy workforce.